Well, would you be okay if your kids spent more time in school if it meant better grades for them?

That's what officials in five other states are experimenting with, and if it's successful it could also mean longer days for kids here.

Early Monday afternoon officials in Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York and Tennessee announced they were going to add at least 300 hours of learning time to the school calendar.

It's part of a program to boost our kids test scores. That extra time should give kids more of a chance to get a well rounded education.

Officials will pay for it using a mix of tax dollars and grant money.

Educators have said that if kids spend more time studying they'll get better grades.

However, Dr. Frank Devono, the Superintendent of schools in Monongalia County believes that's only part of the solution.

"I think we have a quality teaching workforce," Devono said. "I think it's got to start there. Then from that point whatever tools we can give them whether it be more minutes, more technology, or more instructional opportunities. I think all of those things come together for better instruction."

Not all are onboard with that suggestion.

Those opposed to the program have said it won't allow parents enough time to spend with their children.

More Information: Schools in 5 states to add at least 300 hours of classroom time in 2013

Open your notebooks and sharpen your pencils. School for thousands of public school students is about to get quite a bit longer. Five states announced on Monday that they will add at least 300 hours of learning time to the calendar in some schools starting in 2013. In total, education officials expect to provide nearly 6 million more student learning hours next year. Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York and Tennessee will take part in the initiative, which is intended to boost student achievement and make U.S. schools more competitive on a global level. Click Here to read more.

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